June 21, 2014

The 53rd Annual Kramer Reunion was held on June 21, 2014 at Reese Park in Silverdale, PA. There were 24 people in attendance.

We had lots of great food and fun. After some socializing and lunch, we held our business meeting. Secretary Bethanne Cassidy read the minutes from last year. Bob Hinkle, our treasurer, reported a current balance of $348.90 in our account, which included a starting balance from last year (2013) of $286.98 + $160.80 interest - $20 inactivity fee. All reports were accepted and approved. We also then reimbursed Nancy Knapp for the 2014 reunion reservation fee of $100.00.

In “New News” we had some celebrations. Weddings this year included the wedding of Rachel Hinkle & Eddie Smith, June 14, 2014. Rachel is the daughter of the Ronald Hinkle (granddaughter of Marian (Kramer) Hinkle). There was also the wedding of Christine Elizabeth Herb & William Shawn White, May 3, 2014, in Maitland, Florida. Christine is the daughter of Don & Judie Herb (granddaughter of Joe and Florence (Kramer) Haenn). David Kramer married Katrina O’Brien in Australia on May 25, 2013. David is the son of Mark & Ginny Kramer (grandson of Rev. Reuben Elmer & Laura Kramer).

There was also a birth in the family this year. A daughter, Alex Kramer, was born to Matt & Cory Kramer on August 10, 2014. Matt is the son of Robin and Cindy Kramer (grandson of Clyde & Marilyn Kramer, and great-grandson of Clarence & Edna Kramer).

Unfortunately, we also had quite a few deaths in the family this year. Robin S. Kramer, son of Clyde & Marilyn Kramer, passed away on September 11, 2013. Ron Hinkle, son of Robert & Marian (Kramer) Hinkle, passed away on October 5, 2013. Paul Kramer, son of Rev. Reuben Elmer & Laura Kramer, passed away on March 11, 2014. G. Leonard Knapp, son of George & Grace (Kramer) Knapp, passed away on March 17, 2014. We also learned of another death a few years ago: David Rees – husband of Anna Marie (Curtis) Rees – passed away in October of 2012. Anna Marie is the daughter of Willard & Esther (Detweiler) Curtis (granddaughter of Preston & Lizzie (Kramer) Detweiler.

Bethanne Cassidy was contacted this past year by Michael Curtis, son of Richard & Sherrie Curtis. Michael updated some family information and also told about his time serving in the Iraq War and meeting his wife, Olena. Michael said that Richard & Sherrie celebrated their 45th Anniversary on June 8, 2013. He emailed some photos that were added to the Kramer website.

Bethanne also received a message from Mark Kramer, updating the UK branch of the family. Daughter Katherine is living in Reading, England (west of London), and, as updated above, son David married Katrina O’Brien in Australia on May 25, 2013.

In “Old News”, last year a motion was made, and accepted, to extend a formal ‘Thank You’ to Don for all his professional input and work on the family tree. This year, Bethanne Cassidy presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Don Herb as recognition for all the wonderful work he has done on our family tree!

We were notified this year of a price increase for reserving the use of the pavilion and/or building (in case of rain) at Reese Park. The new rate for Silverdale residents (we reserve in Marilyn Kramer’s name) is now $100, plus another $100 refundable security deposit. We had a discussion as to whether we wanted to continue to hold the reunions here, and accept the new cost, or research other locations. Three people volunteered to check out other options. Donna Usavage will check out Green Lane Park in Green Lane; Liz Knapp will check out Molasses Creek Park (near the Quakertown interchange of the PA Turnpike); and Bob Hinkle will check out the availability of Menlo Park in Perkasie (where we used to hold reunions). Once information is received, we will make a final decision.

Janice Kramer told us about the Kramer Weekend gathering at her place in Tioga County this past September. Those in attendance, in addition to Janice, were Mark & Ginny Kramer, Barry & Betsy Hinkle, Doris Bossert, Eileen & Paul Bengtson, and Donna Usavage. This year’s gathering is planned for the weekend of September 26-28, 2014.

The Election of Officers was held. All officers were re-elected into their positions:

President- Barry Hinkle; Vice-President- Janice Kramer; Treasurer- Bob Hinkle; Secretary- Bethanne Cassidy; Entertainment Coordinator- Rhonda Geyer.

At the close of the business meeting, we commenced with the fun-filled auction festivities! A reminder was made that the Silent Auction items were still available for bidding, and the Mystery games were still available for guessing. Rhonda Geyer then gave out our annual Awards prizes:

Most Recently Married – Sherry & Barry Brown, 9 years

Oldest Man Present – Joe Haenn, 97 years

Oldest Woman Present – Florence Haenn, 93 years

Traveled Farthest – Sherry & Barry Brown, Ohio

Longest Married – Joe & Florence Haenn, 72 years

Birthday Closest to June 21 – Judie Herb, June 1

The winners were announced in the Mystery games: How Many Candies in the Jar? - there were 372 pieces, Judie Herb guessed 375. What’s in the Box? – no winner. No one guessed! Better luck next year!

Then the Silent Auction items were given away to the winners: Iron Pig tickets won by Bob Hinkle; Cody Asche photo won by Bob Hinkle; Chase Utley photo won by Donna Usavage; Goblet w/ Kramer M&Ms won by Molly Fidler; another Goblet w/ Kramer M&Ms won by Sherry Knapp-Brown; Bath products won by Janice Kramer; Bath & Body stuff won by Janice Kramer; Holly plant won by Judie Herb; another Holly plant won by Eileen Bengtson; Screw-back Earrings won by Ken Knapp; Clip Earrings won by Janice Kramer; Screw-back Earrings won by Janice Kramer.

We had more time for socializing and then warmed up leftovers for dinner. A great day was had by all!

The following were in attendance: Marilyn Kramer, Judie & Don Herb, Joe & Florence Haenn, Nancy Knapp, Rhonda & Brian Geyer, Bethanne & Dan Cassidy, Bob Hinkle, Janice Kramer, Donna Usavage, Samantha Usavage, Ken Knapp, Liz & Kenneth Knapp, Sherry Knapp-Brown & Barry Brown, Molly Fidler, Barry & Betsy Hinkle, Paul & Eileen Bengtson.

Respectfully submitted,

Bethanne Cassidy, Secretary